The Atlantic Hurricane Season started on June 1, and disaster officials are urging residents to prepare for the worst.
“Preparedness Leads to Resiliency” is the theme for the Department of Disaster Management’s 2015 hurricane readiness campaign.
The initiative seeks to increase awareness about what, exactly, is needed to prepare for hurricanes and tropical storms, and has begun with messages from Governor John Duncan and Premier Dr. Orlando Smith published in local media.
This year’s efforts will include a special effort to target people with special needs, such as people with mobility problems, people who don’t speak English, single-parent families and people who have special dietary needs, according to the DDM.
Forecasters have predicted that the 2015 season will be below average, with only seven named storms and three hurricanes.
But that doesn’t mean residents shouldn’t prepare for a major storm, warned DDM Information and Education Manager Philomena Robertson.
“Although the BVI has been spared direct impact from major hurricanes, in recent times the territory has been affected by flood events triggered by the passage of significant troughs and other tropical systems,” Ms. Robertson said. “These have caused damage to critical infrastructure and disruption to the delivery of services and normal way of life. It is important that we are not caught off-guard should any of the systems that may develop affect us.”
Ms. Robertson suggested that the beginning of the season is a good time for residents to check their insurance coverage and inspect their homes and businesses.
“It is also an opportune time to have discussions with family members and children in particular about what actions should be taken in the event that the territory is impacted,” she said.
More information about being storm-ready is available on www.bviddm.com.
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